Chapter 29

Evelyn nodded in agreement. "It's truly not worth it. Your mother-in-law was right there, yet she did nothing to help."

Natalie's heart had long turned cold. She would never set foot in the Sherwood residence again.

Wiping away her tears, she felt utterly drained. Though her condition was severe, the medicine Evelyn had given her worked remarkably well.

"May I know your name?"

"Evelyn Roland." She handed Natalie a slip of paper with her phone number.

She wasn't one to meddle, but she couldn't stand bullies preying on the weak.

Natalie leaned against the wall, clutching the note tightly.

"I'll find you in six months. Can you help me contact my father? I want to go home. They took my phone."

Evelyn pulled out her phone and told her to recite the number.

Before she could finish, Natalie collapsed.

Supporting her with one arm, Evelyn dialed the number.

"Hello?" A deep male voice answered.

"Are you Mr. Lowell, Natalie's father?"

"Yes. Who is this? Where is my daughter?"

"She's in the lounge at the Grandelle Hotel. She had an asthma attack and asked me to notify you. She's been given emergency medication and is stable for now."

"Thank you! Is this your number? I'm nearby—I'll be right there."

After hanging up, Evelyn helped the unconscious Natalie to her feet.

Natalie's eyelids fluttered open, tears spilling. "Will he really come? I cut ties with my family for that man... broke my father's heart..."

She remembered her father's anguished plea the day she left: "Natalie, he's not the one. If you ever feel lost, come home. We'll always love you."

"Back then, I thought they were hypocrites. If they truly loved me, why wouldn't they let me be with the man I loved?"

"My sister only had one request—to keep our family background from Daniel. She must have known I'd never be happy."

Natalie let out a bitter laugh. "They say love makes women blind. Outsiders see the truth clearer."

Evelyn felt a flicker of relief seeing her realization. It wasn't too late to walk away.

"Understanding is the first step. Your father said he's coming. Let me take you downstairs."

Natalie nodded weakly. "So tired... haven't slept in three days..."

She had barely rested while preparing her husband's birthday gift.

"Just a few more minutes. I'll get you to the curb. You can rest properly at home."

Natalie fought to keep her eyes open as longing overwhelmed her.

Darkness won. She slumped against Evelyn's shoulder, fast asleep.

Just as Evelyn was about to set her down to wait, a commotion erupted.

"Murder! Someone's dead!" Natalie's mother-in-law stormed in with a crowd, spotting her unconscious daughter-in-law—and immediately scheming.

Evelyn's icy gaze swept over the woman's sharp features. "Madam—"

Daniel charged forward aggressively. "Who are you? What did you do to my cousin?"